CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Socket.dev; Candor (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem for qualifying travel

Hotel accommodations/pay forqualifying

Layover pay when applicable

Benefits package

Guaranteed 40 hours per week

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator in Candor, NC to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities.

This is a hands-on labor role with heavy equipment operation and about 10% driving, requiring 24/7 on-call availability including weekends and holidays. The position offers 40 hours guaranteed per week and overtime opportunities with per diem and hotel accommodations for travel.

Qualifications

• CDL-A license required with a good driving record.
• Previous construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to operate heavy construction equipment safely.
• Willingness to perform hands-on labor.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 on-call environment, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments.
• Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify applicable transportation permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in job-site planning and daily safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and move equipment and materials for assigned projects.
• Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including Cranes, Backhoes, Bulldozers, Excavators, Front-end loaders, Grapple trucks, Dump trucks, Rail-bound equipment, Tractors, Skid-steer loaders.
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, disassembly, and loading.
• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.
• Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Reload equipment and materials following completion of assignments and assist with job-site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Support other departments or work assignments as operational needs require.

Skills

CDL-A

Physical stamina

Operation of heavy equipment

On-call readiness

Safety consciousness

Tools

Hydraulic tools

Welding equipment

Cutting torches

Electrical tools

Hand tools

Job description

CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Candor, NC
Job Type: Direct Hire
Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience

Position Overview

We are hiring a CDL-A Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad emergency response, rerailing operations, and related construction activities.

This is primarily a hands-on equipment operation and labor position, not an over-the-road driving job. Driving makes up approximately 10% of the role. Team members must be comfortable operating a variety of construction equipment and performing physical work in an active job-site environment.

Because railroad emergencies can occur at any time, this position requires 24/7 on-call availability, including weekends and holidays.

When emergency assignments are not active, employees may work from the shop completing safety training, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance (PM).

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position with benefits
• 40 hours guaranteed per week
• Average workweek of 60+ hours, with some weeks reaching approximately 70 hours
• 24/7 on-call emergency response
• Starting pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience
• Hours worked outside Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM are paid at 1.5x overtime
• Per diem for qualifying travel
• Hotel expenses for travel
• Layover pay when applicable

Responsibilities

• Respond to railroad derailment and emergency recovery assignments.
• Safely transport equipment and materials to and from work sites.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Inspect loads and transported machinery and verify applicable transportation permits for overweight or oversized equipment.
• Participate in job-site planning and daily safety briefings.
• Load, unload, stage, secure, and move equipment and materials for assigned projects.
• Assist with rerailing operations, load adjustment/transfer, railroad car maintenance and repair, track maintenance, track repair, grading, and new construction.
• Operate heavy equipment when qualified, including:
  • Cranes
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Front-end loaders
  • Grapple trucks
  • Dump trucks
  • Rail-bound equipment
  • Tractors
  • Skid-steer loaders
• Assist with crane assembly, inspection, setup, operation, disassembly, and loading.
• Perform rigging and connect chains, cables, and winches during derailment recovery.
• Use hydraulic tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, electrical tools, and common hand tools.
• Monitor vehicles and equipment for safe and reliable operation.
• Perform and document minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.
• Report more complex mechanical issues to the appropriate Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Reload equipment and materials following completion of assignments and assist with job-site cleanup.
• Restock vehicles and equipment with required parts, components, and supplies.
• Sort and place scrap materials in designated areas.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain organized vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Support other departments or work assignments as operational needs require.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a good driving record.
• Previous construction labor or similar physically demanding work experience.
• Ability to operate heavy construction equipment safely and effectively.
• Willingness to perform hands-on physical labor.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 on-call environment, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to successfully complete required qualification, training, and safety programs.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience, including one or more of the following:

• Backhoe
• Bulldozer
• Excavator
• Front-end loader
• Grapple truck
• Rail-bound equipment
• Tractor
• Skid-steer loader

Equivalent combinations of training and experience may also be considered.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug screen
• Background check
• Interview Requirement: Candidates must bring steel-toed boots to the interview.

Benefits

• Full-time employment
• Benefits package
• Guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Overtime opportunities
• Per diem for qualifying assignments
• Hotel accommodations/pay for qualifying travel
• Layover pay when applicable